Hundreds of local and foreign tourists trooped to Masai Mara Game Reserve during the Easter holiday, hoteliers said.
They put bed occupancy in big hotels at 99 per cent.
Most of the foreign visitors were from India and Pakistan, they said and added that most of them checked out yesterday.
Accommodation in several lodges and tented camps were stretched, forcing their management to look for alternative places for extra visitors.
“We expected a 97 per cent arrivals but it jumped to 99 per cent, giving us accommodation problems,” said Kevin Mwendwa, the general manager, Mara Intrepids and Mara Explorer Camps.
He said some visitors decided to visit the Mara after bookings were completed, adding that most visitors arrived by air.
Apart from Mara Intrepids and Mara Explorer Camps which are managed by Heritage Hotels Ltd, Sarova Mara Game Camp, Kempinski Olare Mara Camp, Ngama Camp, Serena Mara Lodge, Kichwa Tembo Camp and Keekorok Lodge are some of the establishment that were fully booked.
Most workers who had been sent on compulsory leave due to lack of business in January were recalled during the long weekend while most hot air balloon companies were in operation.
Hoteliers fear that it would be the last massive arrivals this year, saying most visitors would keep off during the July-October peak season because of the August 8 general election.
“Arrivals will be depressed during the season. Most hotels will be empty because would be visitors will stay away in fear of violence before and after the polls,” says Lily Waddington, the proprietor of Osero Camp within Siana Conservancy.
